Houston Quarter Glass Window Replacement for Cars and SUVs
Auto glass encompasses all the glass in your vehicle, including windshields, side windows, rear windows, and even those small “triangle windows” known as quarter glass. Each piece plays a role in keeping your vehicle safe and optimizing your visibility while driving. It’s a good idea to get quarter glass windows replaced or repaired if they’re damaged, even though they are much smaller and seemingly less critical than larger pieces like your windshield. You never want to compromise on safety when driving on busy Houston roads.
At Affordable Auto Glass, we have a large inventory of specialty glass pieces of all shapes and sizes. Count on us for fast, easy auto glass repair for your car, truck, or SUV.
What is Quarter Glass?
Quarter glass windows are the small, stationary windows located on a vehicle’s side, typically between the rear door and the rear windshield, or in some cases, between the front door and the windshield. These triangular-shaped pieces of glass are found in cars, SUVs, and some trucks.
Most sedans, coupes, and hatchbacks have small quarter glass windows located between the rear door and the rear windshield. SUVs often incorporate quarter glass in the rear cargo area, and some extended truck models include square-shaped quarter glass windows in the rear section of the cab.
Common Causes of Auto Glass Damage
While seemingly small and sturdy, quarter glass windows are vulnerable to damage just like any other auto glass. These are the most typical reasons why this glass needs to be repaired or replaced:
- Road Debris: Small rocks or objects kicked up by other vehicles can strike the glass and cause chips or cracks.
- Accidents: Even minor collisions can result in damage to quarter glass, especially in side-impact scenarios.
- Vandalism/Theft: Smaller windows can be a target for vandals attempting to break into vehicles.
- Temperature Fluctuations: While less common, extreme temperature changes can contribute to stress cracks in any auto glass. We can definitely see this in Houston, where the hot summer weather causes auto glass to significantly expand and contract.
- Improper Installation: If the piece quarter glass was not installed correctly during a previous repair or factory assembly, it might not take much to sustain damage from any of the above reasons.
Why Replace Your Damaged Quarter Glass Window
Replacing a damaged quarter glass window in your car or SUV is crucial for several reasons beyond just looking better. A broken quarter glass also leaves your vehicle vulnerable to theft. It provides an easy entry point for thieves, putting your belongings at risk.
Although small, this piece of glass contributes to the overall strength of the side structure. Damage can weaken this and potentially compromise your safety in an accident. Plus, a damaged window can create dangerous blind spots while driving and could potentially contribute to a car accident.
The Replacement Process for Auto Glass
Replacing a quarter glass window is a fairly simple process. The old window is removed and the opening is fully cleaned to ensure a proper seal for the new glass. Then, the new glass is positioned and secured within the frame using a strong adhesive specifically designed for auto glass. Clips or fasteners might also be used for added stability. Once the adhesive is applied, the glass is held firmly in place with specialized tape until the adhesive cures completely.
Adding Tint to Your Auto Windows
Adding tint to your quarter glass and side windows involves applying a thin film to the inside surface of the glass. Choosing to get your new auto glass window tint professionally installed ensures a smooth, bubble-free finish that performs well over time.
Window tint reduces the amount of light entering your vehicle, which not only gives you increased privacy, but also significantly reduces heat buildup inside your vehicle on hot days here in Houston. It also blocks up to 99% of harmful UV rays, which protects your interior from fading and damage. Different tint levels offer varying degrees of darkness, allowing you to choose the level of privacy and heat reduction that suits your needs.
We exclusively use LLumar, a premium brand known for its high-quality and durable window tint films, offering superior UV protection, heat rejection, and clarity for your auto glass.
Insurance Coverage for Replacing Quarter Glass Windows
If your quarter glass window is damaged, your auto insurance coverage may apply. Coverage will generally fall under either comprehensive or collision. We can coordinate directly with your insurance company to determine your coverage and deductible, and get your claim filed on your behalf.
Comprehensive Coverage
This is the most likely coverage to help with quarter glass replacement. It typically covers damage to your vehicle that isn’t caused by a collision, such as vandalism, theft, weather events (like hail), or falling objects.
If your quarter glass is broken due to one of these reasons, your comprehensive coverage should cover the repair or replacement, minus your deductible. Some policies in Texas might offer a “full glass” option or a waiver of the deductible for glass damage, so it’s worth checking your specific policy.
Collision Coverage
This coverage applies when your vehicle is damaged in a collision with another vehicle or object. If the damage to your quarter glass occurred as a result of an accident, your collision coverage would likely apply, subject to your deductible.
Get a Free Quote for Auto Glass Window Replacement
Get an easy, no-obligation quote for fast and reliable auto glass window replacement right here in Houston. Our expert technicians at Affordable Auto Glass are ready to help. Contact us today for your free estimate.